Sydney

Infinitely more busy with worse traffic than my home town BUT home to some rather incredible dining options, Sydney is like the sophisticated older sister of Brisbane. You know, the one we steal all the expensive clothes and makeup from…

This list is a slow work in progress!

Speedos Cafe (Bondi) – one of Sydney’s most photographed cafes on Instagram and with good reason. Their food is so beautiful plated you feel like it would be rude not to take a photo.

Maximum Bondi hipster cred though so be prepared for “deconstructed hot chocolate” and elbow room only in between the yogi and fitspo crowd.

A superb view of the beach though!

The Grounds of the City (CBD) – The Grounds of Alexandria is still one of my favourite places in Sydney, but when you’re staying in the city it’s hard to overlook this offshoot of the original. Amazing breakfast fare inside what looks like an old bar, a feast for the senses!

  

Salmon and Bear (Newtown) – tacos and salmon and salads, oh my!

I found this gem when visiting my brother recently and as you can see from the spread below, it can become quite the feast! Home poke bowls, tacos and the ‘grizzly plate’ with your choice of fish and sides.

Proteini (Darlinghurst)

I have unfortunately misplaced my favourite photo from Proteini, but these guys are one of my favourite healthy cafes. They can cater for vegan, vegetarian, paleo, coeliac, sugar free, dairy free and nut free without compromising on taste. Think paleo banana bread, the BLAT on a bagel, vegan waffles, protein smoothie bowls and their incredible salad bowls (like lemon paprika chicken, poached eggs with falafel and greens, or smoked salmon with cashew zucchini hummus).

Fine Food Store – healthy breakfast near the Rocks

This is one of those hidden gems that serves reinvented home-cooked classics without over the top prices. Menu items include pulled brisket on croissant, blueberry bircher muesli, squashed egg with crab, waffles with banana and macadamia – or if you’re really hungry, do the breakfast smorgasbord for two with chorizo, soft boiled eggs, cheddar, ham off the bone, salmon rilette, rye soldiers, granola & berries & mango lassie!